John 21:22
What does John 21:22 mean?
A plain-English look at John 21:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 21:22 means
Jesus firmly redirected Peter's attention back to his own calling, saying, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." Jesus emphasized that John's ultimate destiny was solely His concern. The question, "what is that to thee?" served to curb Peter's curiosity and reinforce the singular importance of his own obedience. The repeated command, "follow thou me," stressed Peter's personal responsibility to Christ, regardless of what others might do or experience, highlighting individual discipleship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to him, If it is my desire for him to be here till I come back, what is that to you? come yourself after me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to him, `If him I will to remain till I come, what--to thee? be thou following me.' This word, therefore, went forth to the brethren that that disciple doth not die,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to him: So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? Follow thou me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to him, If I will that he abide until I come, what [is that] to thee? Follow thou me.
Context
In response to Peter's inquiry about John, this verse contains Jesus' pointed redirection. It sharpens the focus back to Peter's personal calling and highlights the principle of individual accountability in discipleship. This direct answer serves to clarify the boundaries of inquiry and reinforces the primary command to 'Follow me,' immediately preparing the reader for a common misunderstanding that arose from Jesus' words.
v.21Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
v.22This passage
v.23This saying therefore went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, that he should not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 22:20
He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.
- Matthew 25:31
But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:
- Revelation 3:11
I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
- Matthew 24:27
For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
- Revelation 22:7
And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.
- Matthew 24:3
And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
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